Starting next month, Equinix will launch a significant Heat Export project at its newest data center in Paris, PA10. The recovered heat will be transferred to the Plaine Saulnier urban development zone and the Olympic Aquatic Centre, venues for the 2024 Summer Olympics. This initiative is set to provide sustainable heating solutions for the Olympic facilities, showcasing a practical application of green energy technology on a global stage.
Equinix is calling for municipal planning agencies, energy utilities, and heat network operators worldwide to join its innovative Heat Export program, which aims to harness the residual heat generated in its data centers for community use. This program offers a cleaner alternative to traditional heating methods, crucial during a time of rising global energy prices and supply constraints.
The Heat Export program recovers residual heat from Equinix’s data centers and distributes it to nearby buildings, helping to reduce the reliance on conventional energy sources. Equinix has successfully implemented several Heat Export initiatives across Europe and the Americas, with projects in France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and Canada.
In Toronto, Equinix’s TR5 IBX data center already distributes recovered heat to multiple residential buildings, a hotel, a university, and a shopping center in downtown Markham. Additionally, TR5 supplies domestic hot water year-round to several buildings through a partnership with Markham District Energy.
Equinix said it is dedicated to expanding its Heat Export program in suitable locations, identifying data centers that can serve as valuable heat sources for local communities. The company is actively seeking partnerships with heat network operators, energy utilities, and local municipalities to further these projects. By collaborating with these entities, Equinix aims to make a significant positive impact on the communities it serves.
“Our Heat Export program is one important way data centers can give back to their local communities,” explained Gary Aitkenhead, SVP, EMEA IBX Operations, Equinix. “However, it is only possible through collaboration with energy providers, governments, and other third-party enablers. So, we are asking for more partners to join the program and re-use the heat from our operations for the good of people and our planet.”
